A FESTIVAL aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and breaking down barriers between officers and young people has been deemed a great success this summer.

On August 3, families and children headed to the Phoenix Park Xperience (PPX) for a party in the park.

The event, first launched last summer, had a range of activities to help keep youngsters entertained over the summer holidays.

More activities were available this year with a climbing wall and an inflatable assault course making it bigger and better for people to get involved and try something new.

Other activities included the largest skate park in the UK, as well as Halton Spartans, Widnes Vikings and Runcorn ABC Boxing Club.

The Army also came along and brought two large vehicles for children to climb aboard and experience.

PC Suzi Williams, who organised the event, said: “It was great to be able to run such a successful event for another year.

“With schools breaking up for the summer holidays, lots of children have so much time to spare and this was a perfect opportunity for parents to keep them entertained.

“PPX also enables us to engage with youngsters to help deter any anti-social behaviour within the local community and to build a positive relationship between young people and officers. It was also an opportunity to meet local officers and police community support officers to discuss any issues and concerns the local community may have.”

The activities at PPX are free and open to children of all ages and abilities.